[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Historical geography](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.geography) › [On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D.](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.geography.watters-1904) › v2.c19.92 # On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c19.92 On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c19.92 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c19.92](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.geography.watters-1904.v2.c19.92) The description in our text proceeds to tell us that to the east of the Bodhi Tree was a temple (ching-shê) above 160 feet high, and with a front breadth at the base of above twenty paces. This temple was made of bricks and coated with lime; it had tiers of niches with gold images; its four walls were adorned with exquisite carvings of pearl-strings and genii; on the roof was a gilt copper āmalaka; connected with the east side of the temple were three lofty halls one behind another; the woodwork of these halls was adorned with gold and silver carvings and studded with precious stones of various colours, and an open passage through them communicated with the inner chamber. On the left-hand side of the outside door of these halls was an image of Kuan-tzŭ-tsai P'usa, and on the right one of Tzŭ-shi (Maitreya) P'usa, each made of silver and above ten feet high. On the site of the Temple there had once stood a small chaitya (or temple) built by Asoka. The present Temple had been built by a brahmin acting on advice given to him by Śiva in the Snow Mountains, and the neighbouring tank had been built by the brahmin's brother also according to Śiva's advice. The pilgrim goes on to tell the wonderful story of the image of Buddha made by Maitreya in the disguise of a brahmin. This artist asked only for scented clay, and a lamp, and to be left alone in the Temple for six months. When this time was up except four days (not four months as in some texts), the people became curious, and opened the door to see. They found the beautiful likeness complete except for one little piece above the right breast, but the artist had disappeared. The image he had made represented the Buddha as he sat under the Bodhi Tree in the act of pointing to the earth and telling Māra that the earth would bear him witness. The pilgrim in continuation relates the abortive attempt of king Śaśāṅka to have the image removed and replaced by one of Śiva. He adds that Ju-lai attained supreme bodhi on the 8th (or according to the Sthavira school the 15th) day of the second half of the month Vaiśākha, being then 30 (or according to some 35) years of age. - [Previous: v2.c19.91](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.geography.watters-1904.v2.c19.91) - [Next: v2.c19.93.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.geography.watters-1904.v2.c19.93.1) - [Up: v2.c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.geography.watters-1904.v2.c19) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.geography.watters-1904.v2.c19.92](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.geography.watters-1904.v2.c19.92) · Pramāṇa